Acoustic Energy is making available a limited, 100-pair numbered run of AE1 Mk III SE bookshelf speakers, based on the company’s classic AE1 model. In addition to updated technologies and materials, the AE1 Mk III SE is
available in four custom finishes – eight-layer Piano Black, Cheery
Wood Veneer, Pearl White, and Bespoke Finishes, the latter of which can
be painted to suit a customer’s preferences.

“The original AE1 continues to be one of our strongest sellers and,
frankly, one of our greatest sources of pride,” commented Moses Gabbay,
Acoustic Energy’s CEO/President. “After 20 years, we are excited to
offer this limited edition to audiophiles who appreciate the best,
because they are the ones who have supported Acoustic Energy since the
very beginning.”

The AE1 Mk III SE represents an enhancement of the acclaimed original,
with updated technology and materials that continue Acoustic Energy’s
tradition of featuring only the most advanced ingredients in its
speaker line. Designed and built in the U.K., the AE1 Mk III
incorporates a heavily braced 18mm MDF cabinet that is lined with a 4mm
steel plate using specially manufactured damping glue, resulting in a
stiff, well-dampened enclosure.

The bass driver couples AE’s signature pressed alloy cone with critical
hyperbolic flare, plus a die-cast magnesium allow chassis that boasts
the ultimate in strength and rigidity. The motor assembly uses twin
neodymium magnets and a 32mm voice-coil for enhanced speed and power
handling. When coupled with the 38mm ring-radiator tweeter – featuring
a frequency response out to over 40kHz – the result is the lowest
possible distortion throughout its operating range.

The AE1 crossover was re-designed for the AE1 Mk III SE, with a “less
is more” philosophy leading to a reduced number of components – six, as
opposed to the usual 13. This move allowed the company’s engineers to
test, audition and specify the best currently available ingredients,
include a unique blend of ferrite-core and air-core inductors, Welwyn
wire wound resistors, and ClarityCap capacitors. Internal wiring is all
PTFE-coated multi-strand silver cable, terminated in a single pair of
gold-plated WBT binding posts.

Each of the strictly limited run of 100 fully matched pairs is supplied
with frequency response certificates and soft-touch gloves for
handling. The suggested retail price is $5,000 per pair.